Whether you are squeezing in a tight connection, facing an overnight layover, or simply breezing through, the Travel Code Long Island Airport Guide is your one-stop reference. Inside you’ll discover everything you need to know about facilities and services available in and around Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP)--from Wi-Fi to mother’s rooms, from dining to airport hotels, plus safety tips, transport and more.
Quick Links
- Airport Overview
- Airport Hours
- Rest & Relaxation Zones
- Cots
- Nearby Hotels
- Lounges
- Drinking Water
- Food & Drinks
- Luggage Storage
- Mobile Charging
- Showers
- Wi-Fi / Internet
- Security & Safety
- More Airport Info
“After midnight the place is practically deserted – I caught solid Z’s without ear-plugs.” – a traveller
ISP Airport Overview
What to Expect
Long Island MacArthur Airport (IATA: ISP) is a compact but contemporary terminal serving Suffolk County, roughly 60 mi/95 km from Midtown Manhattan. A small collection of eateries and retailers operates landside and airside; opening hours largely mirror the published flight schedule, so plan ahead if you’re arriving at odd hours. Free basic Wi-Fi (one-hour session) is supplied by Optimum, and upgraded all-day access can be purchased for USD 4.99. At present no commercial lounges are available, though rumours persist of a third-party club under negotiation. Airlines currently flying include American, Southwest and Frontier (source: Port Authority statistics, Aug 2024).
Sleeping in Long Island Airport
Because security closes overnight, all passengers are routed to landside areas between the last arrival and first TSA screening (approx. 03:45 AM). Fortunately, reviewers praise the abundance of armrest-free benches and the low late-night foot-traffic. Pack a hoodie or travel blanket – HVAC can run chilly. Should you crave uninterrupted shut-eye, several hotels provide shuttles (see Airport Hotels below).
Airport Hours
The terminal remains open 24 hours. TSA checkpoints: 03:45 AM to final departure.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
No formal quiet zones or nap pods exist. Travelers usually set up camp near the Landside Atrium windows or beside Gate A5 after hours.
Cots
Cots are not distributed to stranded passengers at ISP. If policy changes, please let Travel Code know.
Airport Hotels
If stretching out on terrazzo floors sounds awful, consider these properties offering free shuttle service (verified July 2024):
- La Quinta Inn & Suites Islip–MacArthur Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Islip/MacArthur Airport
For additional choices – from motels to boutique B&Bs across Ronkonkoma, Bohemia and Patchogue – see airport hotels deals curated by Travel Code, complete with community reviews.
Airport Lounges
None at the moment. Travelers with Priority Pass or similar memberships will need to use restaurant credits in-town or lounge at JFK/LGA instead.
Drinking Water
Refill stations and classic water fountains sit opposite restrooms in each concourse. Bring an empty bottle through security and save.
Food & Drinks
Most concessions open around 05:00 AM and wind down after the final bank of departures. Expect:
- A&W All-American Food
- Great American Bagel
- Maggie O’Shea’s Pub
- Starbucks (airside & landside)
No 24-hour vendors are available, so stash snacks if you arrive late.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
None on-site. Travelers needing storage can book off-airport services in Ronkonkoma via Bounce or Vertoe.
Mobile Charging
Power-bars are scattered at wall outlets by most gates. Combination USB-A/C kiosks were installed in 2023 throughout Veterans Memorial Concourse.
Showers
Showers are not provided. Neighbouring gym chains (LA Fitness, Planet Fitness) sell day passes if you wish to freshen up pre-flight.
Wi-Fi / Internet
Connect to “optimumwifi” then tap “GUEST”. One hour is free, further access: USD 4.99/calendar day.
Security & Safety
Overnighting carries standard cautions. Tips from seasoned backpackers:
- Scout cameras or stay near the security office.
- Sleep close to other travelers instead of dark corners.
- Padlock zippers and drape straps around a limb or bench leg.
- Keep passports and phones in interior pockets and set alarms every 90 min if alone.
The Suffolk County Police precinct is stationed just outside Arrivals if you require assistance.
More Airport Information
Services, Facilities & Things to Do on a Layover
- Art in the Airport: A rotating exhibition of local artists greets passengers in the Landside Atrium.
- ATMs: Bethpage FCU and Chase machines landside; Bank of America machine airside opposite Gate A5.
- Mother’s Room: Rocking chairs, changing table, outlets and hand-sanitizer provided free, Concourse East Checkpoint.
- Shopping: CNBC News, Paradies Gift, Heritage Booksellers; no duty-free since ISP has no international service.
- “Live-brary” Digital Kiosk: Suffolk County Library card-holders can download e-books, audiobooks, films or music directly to devices.
- SIM Cards: The Hudson booth near baggage claim sells prepaid T-Mobile and AT&T packs (4 GB to unlimited).
Airlines Serving ISP
American Airlines • Frontier Airlines • Southwest Airlines (schedules current as of Aug. 2024, source: Official Airline Guide).
Ground Transportation
Bus
Suffolk Transit Route S57 links the terminal to Patchogue LIRR station. Hampton Jitney and 7Bus provide direct Manhattan service (Midtown & 44th St).
Car Rentals
Landside counters in baggage claim: Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Thrifty.
Hotel Shuttles
Clarion, La Quinta and Hampton Inn run courtesy vans every 30–60 min; call once you have luggage in hand.
Taxi
Village Taxi maintains a dispatch podium curbside near baggage claim.
Train
Ronkonkoma LIRR station is 1 mi/1.6 km north. Village Taxi rides cost approx. USD 5. Hourly trains run to Penn Station (76–90 min).
Book & Manage Your Trip with Travel Code
Make the most of your layover by syncing your flight booking with Travel Code’s trip dashboard. Corporate clients can streamline policy-compliant itineraries through our corporate travel service.
This write-up references information drawn from the Town of Islip Department of Aviation, airline timetable databases, Suffolk Transit, and on-the-ground feedback from Travel Code community members. It is provided for guidance only; facilities, prices and hours can change without notice. Spot an update? Tell us!
